Nearly a Third of Employers Lost Top Performers in 2012: CareerBuilder Survey

In 2012, 32% of employers lost their top performers to other organizations, and 39% of employers say they are worried this will happen again in 2013, according to a new CareerBuilder survey.

The survey also finds that although 66% of employees report they are mostly satisfied in their positions, 25% say they plan to find other jobs in the next year or two.

When it comes to important job factors, holding a certain title has no bearing to 55% of employee respondents while 88% of employee respondents are more focused on salary.

Other important job factors are flexible scheduling at 59%, the chance to make a difference at 48%, working on challenging projects at 35%, the ability to work from home at 33%, academic reimbursement at 18%, having an office at 17% and having a company car at 14%.

To improve retention, certain perks are effective, according to 26% of employee respondents. Specifically, top perks include half-day Fridays at 40%, an on-site fitness center at 20%, the ability to wear jeans at 18%, daily catered lunches at 17% and massages at 16%.

Other perks include a nap room at 12%, rides to and from work at 12%, office snack carts at 8%, private restrooms at 7% and on-site daycare at 6%.

Another 70% of employee respondents say they would like to see higher salaries, and 58% of respondents say they want improved benefits. Fifty percent of employee respondents say they would appreciate more employee recognition while 48% of employee respondents want their employers to follow up on their feedback.

Additionally, 35% of employee respondents are hoping for more training and learning opportunities, and 22% of employee respondents want their employers to bring in more workers to help with workloads.

"What determines job satisfaction is not a one-size-fits-all, but flexibility; recognition; the ability to make a difference; and, yes, even special perks can go a long way," says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder.

"Being compensated well will always be a top consideration, but we're seeing work-life balance, telecommuting options and learning opportunities outweigh other job factors when an employee decides whether to stay with an organization,” Haefner said.